California Labor Federation Launches Massive GOTV Push

Labor’s Ground Game to Prove Pivotal in Key Races

Sacramento, CA – The California Labor Federation announced today the launch of a massive Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort in the final week before the election to secure victories for pro-worker candidates including Jerry Brown for Governor, Alex Padilla for Secretary of State, Betty Yee for Controller, and Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Thousands of union volunteers are hitting the streets and phones in the final week to interact directly with voters, communicating the stakes of this election for working people. This week’s mobilization caps the Labor Federation’s months-long voter contact program, which uses sophisticated voter-targeting technology alongside traditional, boots-on-the-ground campaigning to ensure workers have a voice on Election Day.

“Whether we’re teachers or firefighters, grocery clerks or bricklayers, working people need a seat at the table to ensure we can put food on the table for our families,” said Art Pulaski, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the 2.1 million member California Labor Federation. “That seat at the table comes from voting. In the final GOTV push, Californians will hear directly from union volunteers about the importance of this election to our jobs, schools, families and future. With record income inequality stifling the American Dream for far too many, it’s more important than ever that workers make our voices heard on Election Day.”

Labor’s GOTV campaign includes:

Thousands of union volunteers going door-to-door, making phone calls and communicating with voters electronically
GOTV mailers: 1.1 million
GOTV phone calls and door knocks: 1.2 million
A six-figure online GOTV ad campaign

With low turnout predicted for the general electorate, working people have a strong opportunity to make a key difference in many races up and down the ballot. In addition to the statewide constitutional races, volunteers are communicating on targeted State Senate, Assembly and Congressional races. Volunteers are also prioritizing local and state ballot measures that support working people, including Prop 1 and Prop 47.

“Some races on this ballot could be decided by just a handful of votes,” Pulaski said. “Our GOTV effort will ensure workers wake up Nov. 5 with a seat at the table, rather than finding our priorities on CEOs’ menus.”

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